News on the Alaska Trip
Unfortunately, I didn’t end up going to Alaska, but that was a trip that was awesome for some and not so good for others. Some came back with smiles, others, not so much (especially since on the way back, they were stuck and the Anchorage airport for 2 days, not getting any sleep). There were suberb results in Alaska by many of the 1st year J2 girls and I am so proud of them! The first couple days, they trained and freeskied in Alyeska from 12/10-12/11, they had two FIS SLs and from 12/12-12/13 they had two FIS GSs. Elle Gilbert, Libby Gibson, Amanda Reilly, Christie Choma, Kelly Appenzeller, Kelsey Pearson, and Maddi Hall all went to Alyeska for girls and Trevor Lennox, Stefan Shmidt, Danny Fowler, Dylan Alvarez, Scotty McLaughlin, Keith Schuman, and Blake Pendleton. Many were able to score under 100, withstanding the tough conditions, including an impressive score of 55 for FIS for Libby Gibson in one of the GSs. Yeah Lib!!! They said it was cold in Alyeska, dark, and the courses were bumpy and rough. But regardless, some did great and gave themselves a good start for the season, and that’s what it’s all about.
Yeah, on the way back, their plane had been assumed “delayed” several times, and finally it was cancelled after boarding and then having to get off and go to baggage claim. Some slept in their ski bags, others on the ground or seats, covered with jackets. It sounded like a not so fun time, because for a little over 2 days, they didn’t get back to VT. Oh well, they’re back safe and sound, but tired! (They got back on 12/16 at around 3:30 PM, when they had planned to arrive on 12/14 at around midday. In Seattle, Washinton, they were sent to a hotel for a total of about 3 hours, so they could get some rest before the rest of the journey.)
Amanda, Choma, Kelsey, Libby, Maddi, and Elle posing in Alyeska, Alaska.
